Ive recently been diagnosed bipolar, and I started attending a monthly bipolar group and weekly mind (general mental health) group. The people ive met are supportive and friendly and have given me more confidence to talk about things like meds, and just generally how I feel, but if I try to talk to my mum about anything she says nasty things. Previously I would have kept it all to my myself but yesterday I mentioned getting off of one of my meds and mum said "you're starting to sound like them going on about illness when there's nothing wrong with you" I don't feel I went on and on about it, it was just a comment but its like she thinks youre fine unless you have a physical illness. She has also started commenting on any books I read since I started reading one called "The Wisdom of Psychopaths" its an amusing and educational book, and its the sort of thing I would have read before my diagnosis anyway but she's picking up on it more now. Should I just keep it all to myself in future and try to hide any reading materials?

[adam_k]

I can releate to what you are going through. After my dad died I stayed with in the same house with my uncle. Not like he was any father figure or anything, I just had a roof over my head and food as I finished high school. At the time I was severly depressed and was seeking help, and he told me there was nothing wrong with me and I didn't need help. Needless to say it hurts when people around lack support and understanding. Some people can fathom what it is like to have mental health issues and this is all made up illnesses. Try your best not to listen to those people and build yourself a support system the best you can. If she critizes you for dealing with this then I wouldnt talk to her much about it unless what it necessary, or tell her what you need and don't need for her to be helpful for you. I hope you find a way to deal with this and there is supportive and helpful people out there.

[hamster-bamster]

I would not try to change her ways, because it is largely impossible and you will get frustrated and exasperated from trying.

It sure hurts to be on the receiving end of aggressive ignorance!!